Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1887-09-14
FIFTEENTH MAINE REGIMENT.
Reunion of the Survivors at Grand Army
Hall.

The survivors of the Fifteenth Maine Reg
iment are holding their reunion at Grand
Army Hall, in this city. A goodly number
of the survivors are present, the actual num-
Der reporting to the secretary up to last even
ing being 100. The morning trains yester-
day brought quite number, and the greet
ings at the station of comrades long separated
were cordial and affecting. Among
the well-known members of the
regiment present are Col Isaac DYER of
Skowbegan, Major H. A. Shorey and Lieut.
John Mead of Bridgton, Major Lester
Dwinal and Capt. Michael Boyce of Bangor,
Capt. j. A. Clark of Caribou. Gan influential
member of the last House, DR.. A. Holmes
of Bridgeport, Conn, DIR. Levi E. Holmes of
Butte City, Montana. Capt. Otis Gilmore of
Brewer, Capt. James Walker of Gardiner,
Col. John C. Cobb of Portland, Capt Geo.
w. Capen of Eastport, and Lieut.. j. H. Lord
of Skowhegan.
This regiment is one of the four Maine
regiments organized in the winter of 1861
for Gen. Buffers expedition against New
Orleans. Its first commanding officer was
Col. John McClusky, an Aroostook lumber
man, who served but a few months,
of Skowhegan, who commanded the regiment
during the greater portion of its long term
of service,-four years and seven months
from muster in, to muster out Four COM
panies of the regiment were from Aroostook
County, two from Washington, two from
Penobscot, and one each from Cumberland
and Sagadahoc. The regiment was mustered
Dec. 7, 1861, spent the winter in camp at
Augusta, and left for Ship Island via Port
land, Feb. 26, 1862, sailing out
of Portland IN the ship Great Republic, March
9TH. The regiment participated in the move
ments incident to the occupation of New Or
leans. occupying camp Parapet and the de-
lenses of the Crescent City until fall, when it
was ordered to Pensacola, Fla. At New Or
leans the ranks of the regiment were depleted
by malaria and other diseases incident to the
climate, very large number of deaths &C.
curing, and very many more contracting dis
abilities which have or will follow them to
their graves. In Florida the regiment re-
NAMED until June of 1868 where it partici-
pated in various skirmishes of minor import
ance. In the summer of 1868 it was again
ordered to the Mississippi, to cooperate with
the troops operating against Port Hudson. In
the fall of 1863 the regiment embarked for
the coast of Texas, engaging in the Banks
expedition along the southern coast of Texas,
capturing several fortified positions and ex-
periencing campaign of great hardship and
severity. While here the regiment re enlisted
as veteran volunteers. In February of 1864
the regiment again returned to the Missisip-
and engaged in the Inflated Red River ex-
petition, participating with great credit in
the battles of Sabine Cross Roads, Pleasant
Hill, Cane Crossing and the minor skirmishes
of that campaign. For especial gallantry at
Pleasant Hill ho youimapf aiunallv hnp.
ored by the corps commander. In July of
1864 the regiment was ordered to the Poto-
mac, and engaged in the pursuit Of Early up
the valley at the time of the raid upon Wash
iugton. Later after its veteran furlough in
August of 1864, it joined the army of the
Shenandoah under Sheridan, where it was
engaged until the final collapse in April of
1865. 1t participated in the grand review of
the victorious armies in Washington, after
which it was again ordered to the South
where during the unsettled condition of af
fairs in the South it did signal service in pre-
serving order and protecting the rights OF the
freed people. The regiment was the last
New England regiment mustered out of ser
vice, having served continuously for four
wears and seven mouths, from Dec. Z, 1861.
to July 6, 1866
The regiments de pleted ranks were filled up
service more than seventeen hundred names
were borne upon its rolls.
The regiment was commanded during the
last year of its service by Col. B. B. Murray
! of Pembroke, formerly adjutant general of
the State
1t is estimated that the number of the sur
vivors of the regiment will not exceed five
hundred of the seventeen hundred serving
with the regiment at varions times.
The business meetings of the association
were held at Grand Army hall morning, af-
ternoon and evening, and were largely at
tended and deeply interesting. The business
related mainly to pertecting the organization
of the association, but this was enllvened
with occasional "reminiscences OF the war
period and earnest addresses from various
members. Many of the members had come
from the Far West and the Pacific coast to
participate in the gathering and they came
laden with rich experiences of army life
which were capitally told. The president of
the association, Col, Isaac Dyer, presided at
the meetings The old board of officers were
unanimously elected as follows;
President-Co. Isaac Dyer of Skowhegan.
Vice residents-Lieut. Henry S. Rich,
Mechanic Falls; Capt Joseph A. Clark, Car
ibou; Capt James Walker, Gardiner.
Secretary and Historan-Maj. H. A.
Shorey, Bridgton.
Treasurer-Lieut. John Mead, No. Bridg-
ton.
Executive committee-E. W. Sprague,
Easton Gen. B. B. Murray, Pembroke; Maj,
Lester ID. Winal, Bangor; l.. w. Hsnsom
Portland, and Simeon Small, North Ray"
mond.
A committee on revised roster was ap-
pointed
Ats o'clock P. M. the comrades marched
in a body to the State House where they
viewed their old battle flags, passing beneath
them with uncovered heads. They also WIS.,
tied their old tenting ground below the State
House Many of the veterans had not seen
it since they marched away to the war and 1t
was spot of deep interest to them
The ex-soldiers board at the hotels and
priyate houses. Some obtain lodgings and
then take their meals at restaurants.
In the evening an impromptu camp 'fre
was held, and many interesting and spicy ad.
dresses were made. Among the speakers
were Col. Isaac Dyer, Maj. II. A. Shorey,
Col. John C. Cobb, Myron I. Gilmore OF
San Diego, Cal, DR.. Levi I. Holmes OF
Butte City, Montana, DR.. A. H. Holmes of
bridgeport, Conn, Capt j. H. Clark of Car
ibou. Mai. L. d. winal of Bangor; L. w:
Hanson of Portland; Capt. Otis Gilmore OF
Bangor: Lieut.. John Mead of No. Bridgton,
Charles D. Emery of West Poland, Conduc,,